Kia America sheds the last of its budget brand image thanks to stylish, tech-forward EV blueprint

Kia America is enjoying its new status among young car buyers as a stylish, tech-forward electric vehicle maker. Last December, Kia's third EV, the three-row EV9, went on sale in the U.S., helping round out its selection of battery-powered crossovers and bring additional cachet to the brand.

Not only is the EV9 the sole electric three-row offering in the mainstream market, it also dethroned the EV6 GT as Kia's most expensive vehicle, helping to push the image of the brand further away from its value-oriented past. With a price point that scratches $80,000 when fully loaded, the automaker is hoping to attract the same affluent millennial EV buyers as Tesla and Rivian.

Kia will minimize some of the EV9's cost by moving production to its West Point, Ga., factory so it can qualify for at least a portion of the $7,500 federal tax credit. Assembly of U.S.-built EVs started in May, with deliveries expected to begin in October.

A smaller EV, the EV3 subcompact crossover, aimed at the mass market is expected to arrive in 2026. To keep it competitive among lower-priced EVs, Kia could upgrade its factory in Monterrey, Mexico, for EV assembly, making it eligible for the incentive.

At CES 2024, Kia unveiled a series of modular electric vehicles under the moniker PBV, or Platform Beyond Vehicle, with flexible loading and hauling capabilities to move people or cargo. The PV5, a midsize van, will be the first to come from the line, which promises creative methods for managing people and cargo.

Despite its laser focus on EVs, Kia remains committed to its long list of gasoline-powered vehicles, including sedans. The midsize K5 was recently freshened, and the new K4, which replaces the compact Forte, will be offered as a sedan and a five-door hatchback (or "sport wagon").

It's also committed to offering a plethora of powertrains in its high-volume crossovers. The long-running Sportage and recently freshened Sorento both offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

The Carnival minivan, freshened for 2025, adds a hybrid variant.

PV5: The midsize van will be the first EV to come from the PBV line Kia showcased at CES. Kia said it could be used for ride-hailing, delivery and other commercial applications. It will launch for all markets in 2025. It's possible the U.S.-bound PV5 will be built at Kia's factory in Mexico to avoid the chicken tax.

Electric midsize pickup: A midsize electric truck from Kia could come as early as 2026 or as late as 2029, coinciding with the expected launch of Hyundai's electric pickup. Production of the pickup could take place at Hyundai's Metaplant being built outside of Savannah, Ga.

EV9: Kia's Telluride-size EV9 electric crossover went on sale last December. It's the most expensive vehicle in the lineup, topping out at $77,395 including shipping for the GT-Line trim with the second-row captain's chairs. The EV9, which was initially imported from Korea, is now being assembled at Kia's West Point factory. The move should make the pricey kid hauler eligible for at least a portion of the $7,500 federal tax credit and accessible for more buyers. A minor freshening is expected in late 2026. The current generation will run until the end of the decade.

EV6: Kia released images of a freshened Korean-spec EV6, which could preview some of what the U.S. version will look like when it arrives as a 2025 vehicle. The GT-Line and performance GT will also be updated. Changes include new headlight and taillight design as well as some interior upgrades such as a new steering wheel, new smartphone charging pad and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It is also expected to receive an 84-kilowatt-hour battery pack, up from 77.4 kWh, that will improve range. Currently, the most efficient EV6 is the long-range rear-wheel-drive model, which can achieve an EPA-rated 310 miles on a single charge and 117 combined mpg equivalent. Kia could move production of the freshened version to West Point by the end of this year. A redesign is expected in 2029.

EV3: Kia's EV3 subcompact crossover is expected to go on sale in mid-2025, providing an entry point into Kia's electric vehicle offerings. The EV3 may use a 400-volt architecture like the China-only Kia EV5. Some industry watchers believe its starting price will be around $32,000 and that it will be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, which will drop its cost to $24,500. Kia could produce the EV3 at its factory in Mexico starting in 2026. Like the EV9, the first batch of EV3s could be imported from Korea, making them ineligible for the incentive. A freshening is expected in 2028.

EV4: An electric compact car with similar dimensions to the Forte could go on sale following the EV3 in early 2026. However, it's unclear whether it will be assembled in Mexico alongside the EV3 or if it will be produced in Korea. If it's an import EV, it may not come to the U.S.

Telluride: The second generation of Kia's popular three-row kid hauler is expected to go on sale in early 2026. A hybrid addition could join the lineup at that time. A minor change in 2029 is likely.

Sorento: Kia's midsize crossover, which offers gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, was freshened for the 2024 model year with exterior styling closer to that of the three-row Telluride, an X-Pro model and new safety and updated convenience technology. Kia showed the updated Sorento at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. The gasoline version went on sale this year as a 2024 model; the hybrid and plug-in followed as 2025 models. A new generation is expected in the second half of 2026.

Sportage: Kia's longest-running nameplate was redesigned for the 2023 model year and is still in its fifth generation. It offers gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. For 2025, the Sportage adds a few minor exterior design enhancements to the more rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims. It's likely the Sportage will be updated with a minor freshening in the first half of 2025, with an expected redesign in mid-2027.

Niro: Kia's affordable electrified compact crossover offers hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV variants. A freshening is expected in late 2025. A redesign could happen in 2028, but the second generation of the Niro could be its last.

Soul: Kia's funky subcompact runabout carries over unchanged for 2025 but for the addition of the Soulmate Special Edition, which has exclusive 18-inch wheels, a two-tone roof, Harmon Kardon premium audio and an "umber" interior color. Kia has not confirmed the end of the Soul, but it's expected that 2025 will be its last model year.

Seltos: After a major freshening for the 2024 model year, the entry subcompact crossover carries over mostly unchanged for 2025 except for some new safety and convenience features, as well as design enhancement to certain trims. A new generation for the Seltos should arrive in late 2025, coinciding with the possible end of Soul.

Carnival: Kia showed off a freshened version of its Carnival MPV, short for multipurpose vehicle, as a 2025 model at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. The 2025 Carnival, on sale this summer, offers a turbo 1.6-liter engine paired with a 54-kilowatt motor and a six-speed automatic transmission that will deliver 242 hp and 271 pound-feet of torque. Other notable changes include a more rugged face-lift with a new grille and more chiseled front fascia, as well as updated interior tech such as an available panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch screens, seven USB-C ports throughout the cabin and an optional rear entertainment system with 14.6-inch monitors. The fresh looks and hybrid variant will help extend its life cycle. If Kia decides to keep the Carnival, a redesign is not expected until 2030.

K5: Kia also debuted a freshened version of its K5 midsize sedan at the Chicago Auto Show, which went on sale this spring. The 2025 K5 has a more powerful standard 2.5-liter engine that delivers 191 hp, an 11 hp increase over the outgoing turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The K5's exterior was also updated with a new front fascia, including more aggressive daytime running lights and a honeycomb grille. Kia added more standard tech to its safety features as well as a single-panel curved display with a 12-inch instrument display and a 12.3 center touchscreen. Production of the sedan was moved back to Korea to make room at Kia's West Point factory for the EV9 electric crossover. A new generation with modest changes is expected in late 2028, which will keep it going until it's ready to be replaced by a full EV.

Forte/K4: Kia debuted a new version of its compact sedan at the 2024 New York auto show with a new name for its fourth generation: the K4. The K4, which just started production at Kia's plant in Mexico, will come as a sedan and as a five-door hatchback. The hatchback looks more like a wagon, and Kia said it's geared toward younger buyers who want space to carry passengers and things, but don't want to spring for a crossover. Two body styles for the K4 will keep it competitive in the shrinking small car segment. The K4 goes on sale this summer.